Orestes of Tyana

Holy Martyr Orestes of Tyana was a physician and soldier in Tyana, in Cappadocia, at the end of the third century, in the time of Emperor Diocletian. He was put to death for the faith in the year 304 and is commemorated on 10 November (new style).

From childhood he was a sincere Christian. The emperor sent the commander Maximinus to Tyana to suppress Christianity, which had spread through Cappadocia, and Orestes was among the first brought to trial. He boldly confessed faith in Christ Crucified and Risen. Maximinus offered him wealth, honour and fame if he would become an idol-⁠worshipper, but he refused. They stripped him, beat and flogged him, then kept him seven days in prison. Taken to the pagan temple, he said he remained obedient in earthly matters but would acknowledge no king except the one God. Forty soldiers took turns beating him with whips, rods and thongs, then tormented him with fire. Orestes cried to the Lord, asking for a sign for good, and in the end, after further tortures, he gave up his soul.